Your wisdom tooth is trying to come through but it is only half-exposed. The gum around it is swollen, painful, and keeps getting worse. That might be pericoronitis — and it tends to come back.
Pericoronitis happens when a tooth only partially breaks through the gum. The flap of gum over the partially erupted tooth traps food and bacteria underneath. That trapped debris causes inflammation and infection.
Why wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to appear. They come through in your late teens or early twenties — sometimes later. There is often not enough room for them, so they come through at an angle or only partially.
That partial eruption is what creates the problem. The gum flap, called an operculum, covers part of the tooth crown. It is impossible to keep clean, and that is where trouble starts.
What it feels like
Pericoronitis is painful. You might feel a throbbing ache at the back of your mouth, swelling around the jaw, a bad taste from the infection, or difficulty opening your mouth fully. You might also have swollen lymph nodes under your jaw.
The pain can spread to your ear and throat on that side. Chewing becomes difficult and uncomfortable.
Why it comes back
This is the frustrating part. Pericoronitis rarely fixes itself. Until the tooth fully erupts, is treated, or removed, the trap for food and bacteria remains. Each episode can be worse than the last.
Some people get through one bout with saltwater rinses and antibiotics. But without addressing the root cause, it tends to return — often at the worst possible time, like before an exam or holiday.
How dentists treat it
Your dentist will first treat the acute infection with antibiotics and pain relief. Saltwater rinses help flush out the debris under the gum flap.
For a long-term solution, options include having the wisdom tooth removed, or a procedure called operculectomy — where the gum flap is surgically removed to expose the tooth properly.
X-rays help show whether the tooth is likely to erupt properly or if removal is the best option.
Do not ignore it
Pericoronitis is not something to wait out. The infection can spread beyond the immediate area, and repeated episodes cause damage to the neighbouring molar tooth.
If you are getting recurrent pain and swelling at the back of your mouth, get it checked. Early treatment makes everything simpler.
Getting it sorted
Do not put up with recurring pain at the back of your mouth. Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice